 Made at Home
a selection of tunes from the madison songwriters group
MSG brings you Made at Home, a wonderful collection of songs and performances by our members. Staying true to it's title these songs were all recorded at peoples homes, whether in cold damp basements, or state of the art computer facilities, every note on this CD was played in someone's house. I think the performances speak for themselves. For information on the artists just click their name.
She's a Landslide - Mark Croft
Mark Croft performs original acoustic pop/rock music. A Wisconsin native, Croft writes songs about everything from finding love to finding your purpose in life. Although a newcomer to the Madison music scene he has been creating quite a buzz in the last six months. His upbeat grooves and catchy melodies have leaves your toes tapping long after his performance is over.
She's a Landslide Words and Music by Mark Croft Copyright 2003
Mark Croft: Acoustic guitar, slide guitar, vocals
Dale Kidd: Acoustic guitar
Erin O'Brien: Vocals
Recorded at Left Behind Poodle Studios by Eric Hester
I can't take anymore this woman she tears me apart
She's been walkin around with a cold and an old broken heart
It's the ice in her veins that takes away all of the thrill
Cause she's a landslide and I'm at the top of the hill
She's taken the moon and left me with no place to hide
She's taken the sun and casted the seasons aside
She been movin the mountains around by the force of her will
Cause she's landslide and I'm at the top of the hill.
She's takin me down x4
My eyes can't touch the sky
And my feet can't touch the ground
Cause she's takin me, Oh lord, she's takin me down
I used to get lost inside of those warm lovin arms
But it seems nowadays their doin me nothin but harm
I said "woman I'll walk out that door and you know that I will"
Cause she's a landslide and I'm at the top of the hill
She's takin me down X4
My eyes can't touch the sky
And my feet can't touch the ground
Cause she's takin me
Oh lord she's takin me down
She said boy if you go you know you won't get very far
Cause my lovin's too good and I'm twice the man that you are
So I turned and I walked out that door cause I'd had my fil
l
She's a landslide and I'm at the top of the hill
Small Moments - Kris Adams
Kris Adams is a singer/songwriter who grew up outside Chicago and has enjoyed living
in Madison for several years. She is a fan of many different genres of music, and feels inspired and influenced by anyone willing to create and share their artistry. She works with teenagers at a high school, assisting them in learning facts and encouraging them to learn about themselves, while they continue to teach her in ways that only young people can. She loves writing and playing music and is grateful for the chance to share her music with others, hear the music of other local musicians, and be a part of the wonderful MSG.
Small Moments Words and Music - Kris Adams Copyright 2003
Kris Adams: Guitar, Vocal
Recorded at Left Behind Poodle Studios. Engineered by Eric Hester.
Young minds are open.
Mine was free and wild and hoping-
Inventing worlds I could believe in,
Playing, dreaming, without reason.
From the outside,
I heard voices
Telling me those were not choices:
"Life is hard, life is rough-
Sit right there, now child you hush."
And don't think I didn't notice-
For years I wondered...
If I let them down, will they still love me?
If I said I'm good, would my soul agree?
If I close my eyes and pretend to dream,
Would I see the world isn't what it seems?
In the city, in the woods,
In the country, in my room-
I had looked for solemn faces
I had found them in all places.
I turned around, turned away,
Found I twisted to illusion.
All I noticed, all I made,
All I held was what would fade.
And would I stay on, stay on
saving this grace for small moments?
Would I face the face of life
and have no fight? Have no fight?
Could I stand up, stand wide open
And accept this ray of light as my life?
And if I showed you tears,
Would I turn to dust?
If I let you in and decide to trust-
If I close my eyes and pretend to dream,
Would I see the world isn't what it seems?
Indiana Radio - Aaron NathansAs a newly minted newsman in Montpelier, Vermont in 1996, I had a lot of time on my hands at odd hours. At the same time, stories were forming in my head that just didn't work for the wire. They had a beat. I knew I needed a hobby; I even knew what the hobby would be. I just needed a push. Then came divine intervention: I was visiting my friend Russell in Indiana, and we went to a riverboat casino. I won $200 on a five-dollar slot machine. As the tokens dropped out, I saw a vision of a guitar in my mind's eye. That was the beginning.
Indiana Radio Words and Music by Dale Kidd and Aaron Nathans, Copyright 2003
Aaron Nathans: Lead vocal, acoustic guitar
Dale Kidd: Mandolin, backing vocal, harmonica
Engineered and produced by Dale Kidd at Savageland Studios.
Some folks live off the land
I live off the air
Search for that voice
But the singer's not there
And my battery's low
All I get is that fuzz
Trying too hard
To bring back that buzz
'Cause I can hear it playing on a private band
From the sky to my eye, from your head to my hand
Driving the back roads or walking real slow
My mind finds that station, Indiana radio
So I give up the ghost
And I stare at my lawn
When I turn off the power
That's when it turns on
When I close my eyes
Your music starts to blare
Those invisible towers
Are everywhere
'Cause I can hear it…
I remember sitting in your car
Out where the lights of town don't show
Just holding on
And we kept our voices low
So we could hear the corn grow
Through the darkness and the wind
Could it ever be that way again? (oh no)
Some folks loved off the crushes
But we never did
It felt like forever
But we were just kids
Out at the drive-ins
Convertible cars
Buddy Holly and the Crickets
Crackling underneath the stars
I can hear it playing on a private band
From the sky to my eye, from your head to my hand
I sit in my car, windows down and alone
And hear the wind through the fields, Indiana radio
Indiana radio
Indiana radio
Eyes Full of Christmas - Sean Michael Dargan
Born in the Canal Zone, Panama, singer songwriter Sean Michael Dargan has
spent most of his years traveling and playing music. From his roots as a
four-year-old highland bagpiper in Philadelphia, through guitar study in
Texas, to his songwriting epiphany at a small Virginia college--with
creative detours into acoustic folk, heavy alternative and
country-influenced jangle pop--Sean's prime directive has always remained
clear and strong: writing and singing thoughtful, melodic songs with
passion and skill.
Eyes Full of Christmas Words and Music by Sean Michael Dargan, Copyright 2003 Slightly Charred Music, BMI
Sean Michael Dargan: All Sounds
Recorded and mixed at Studio 202 by Sean Michael Dargan
So sick in love, so deep it hurts
Sharing food and favorite shirts
Eyes Full of Christmas
A light lunch where the legs entwine
A big back seat and a box of wine
Eyes Full of Christmas
It's a Barbie pool on your own front lawn
A Micronaut with its arms still on
Go-kart driving, just like you did
A love robot with the batteries included
Are you content to wait right there
And watch her float right down the stairs
Eyes Full of Christmas
Now it's six a.m., there's a foot of snow
You're wide awake, all systems go
Mom's still curled up next to your pop
They didn't hear the reindeer on the rooftop
It's one thing to say that you plan to stay
Another to wake up everyday
Eyes Full of Christmas
Beating up Brian - Shauna WellsWells is a charismatic singer-songwriter whose infectious melodies and powerful vocals have launched a great breath of musical fire into the contemporary folk scene. Songs from her first full-length release, Burn Up the Sun, (October 2002) have placed first at the 2003 Fondy Acoustic Music Alliance Songwriting Competition and have also appeared on National Public Radio's show "Car Talk". Wells' songs are unique and organic, going beyond the modern folk's focus on the confessional. She tackles topics on politics and gender with a thoughtfulness that is never in your face or whiney. "Think Joni Mitchel and Pete Seeger, tempered with pop and rock so it doesn't come off with so much sentimentality." (Poynette Press).
Beating up Brian Words & Music Shauna Wells Copyright 2003, Galhart Music, ASCAP.
Shauna Wells: Guitar and Vocals
Recorded at Galhart Studios by Shauna Wells
Brian is now six-foot-four, when I met him he was four-foot-six
In fourth grade he moved in next door that's when trouble hit
He was a year younger than me but just my size
Innocent bystanders said it was a real, a real fair fight
One day he was ticking us off, yeah, me and my brother both
He was cheating at kick ball and he had the gall to boast
My brother said get out of our yard now, go on home
Brian launched a loogie at our humble, our humble abode
Chorus: Well Brian how does it feel
And Brian, were you scarred for life?
And Brian, are you still ashamed of the day a girl beat you up?
I gave him two more warnings I said get out now or else
Then I started swinging but I didn't hit beneath the belt
Yeah, I started punching, I was aiming for his face
Brian ran home crying to his mama in disgrace
Chorus
Brian grew up wild, became a carny at age 16
Then he wound up doing time for breaking and entering
I wonder if I played a part in his rough and tumble world
Was Brian's ego bruised when he was beat up by a girl?
Chorus
Speak - Greg Winkler
Greg Winkler writes and performs acoustic music. He started his career as a thirty something social worker and has received considerable praise for his songwriting talents and performance abilites.Greg reminds the listener that the simple harmony of a voice and an acoustic guitar is often enough.
Speak Words and Music by Greg Winkler Copyright 2003, BMI
Greg Winkler: Guitar and Vocals
Recorded at WinkEye Studios by Greg Winkler
By the house where I grew up
In the woods right down the street
If I tell you what happened there
You got to promise not to speak about it
Chorus:Don't speak about it
It's been so many years ago
There really ain't no point
To speak about it
I heard the policeman say to him
We've got to keep the peace
I'm sure that you can work this out
And there won't be any need to speak about it
Chorus
Bridge:I've got to let it go
I'm not so crazy now
I've made the darkest corners shine with light somehow
I got a call from my old friend
On my answering machine
He said, I'll tell you what I know, son
So you don't have to speak about it
Repeat Bridge and Chorus
There's a time inside a place
Where I can finally sleep
And it is just so beautiful
That no one has to speak about it
Repeat Bridge and Chorus
On Your Head - Amy CurlAmy Curl performs original contemporary folk/pop music. She's entertained dozens with her musings on office dress codes, apartments not burning down, ill-behaving attorneys, and the fine art of surviving relationships. Although still on the waiting list for any real awards-she was named Songwriter of the Year by her department at work-Amy's music never fails to make her listeners really, really happy that they get to drink coffee and enjoy her angst at the same time.
On Your Head Words and Music by Amy Curl, Copyright 2003, Jaunty Angle Music, ASCAP
Amy Curl; keyboard, vocal
Recorded at Left Behind Poodle Studios by Eric Hester
I'll try to refrain from petty invective
but mess with my heart and I get all protective
you're long in the tooth and down in the mouth
alarmed at the sight of your pecs moving south
you burst on the scene, you shoved all the way
invaded my head and called it a day
though yielding to arguments both pro and con
I have to confess that you don't turn me on
chorus: may buckets of banknotes put out all your fires
may pixies of progress uncross all your wires
may harpies of happiness jump on your bed
may fairies of fortune slamdance on your head
you want to control me, arrange all the shots
you kept me distracted, untying the knots
congrats are in order, your blarney is skillful
you nearly succeeded, too bad I'm so willful
chorus
bridge: you say I don't owe you but ring up my bill
you tell me I'm safe and move in for the kill
you claim I don't scare you but tighten your grip
declare we should sing and then button your lip
I'm bad at goodbyes, I just drift away
despite all the rumors, I've nothing to say
I wish you elation, a warm happy glow
I wish you godspeed, I wish you'd just go
chorus
After April After A - Andrew NathAndrew Nath and Jason Lind are first cousins who started writing together in the late nineties while Jason was still in high school in North Carolina and Andrew attended college in Iowa. Both Jason and Andrew play guitar and write lyrics. After April After A started with lyrics and guitar work from Jason, and then Jason and Andrew wrote the melody together. Jason currently lives in North Carolina and studies music, continues to write and perform orignal compositions. Andrew lives in Madison with his wife Leda and son Oliver. When not working or taking care of the little dude, Andrew still loves to play his guitar and work that long distance collaberation with his cousin Jason whenver he his able.
After April after A Words and Music by Andrew Nath & Jason Lind, Copyright 2003
Andrew Nath: Everything
Recorded at Left Behind Poodle Studios by Eric Hester
After April after A, I only loved the fleeting way you'd fight each thing you'd try to say
Too bad that I could never stay, so after April after A a riddle hides what I might say
The dragon lonely did I slay, emerging from the furious fray would war be done if brave I stay?
I wish I knew and all I'll say, is after April after A.
I remember tank tops, getting read my rights, sneaking up stairs and not so lonely nights
We molding flesh as modeling clay, a work of art before the day
So after April after A
Well I thought myself complex, feeling all the effects of girls saying no as I tried to grow
and tried to show the world the way true love should go
But I was joking myself, choking myself, yolking myself
and harvesting angst a poet thinks he needs
So it's stange that when I look for a score and nothing more love comes knocking on my door
We molding flesh as modeling clay, a work of art before the day
So after April after A.
First kiss, then full arms, eye gazing early alarms.
Full hands, salty glands, red flush faces and tender places.
We molding flesh as modeling clay, a work of art before the day
So after April after A.
So it's strange that when I try, when I try to simplify, make myself a normal guy
And I, and I look for a score and nothing more love come knocking on my door.
But I'm already out the window,
it seems a sin though
as you sign your letters in that normal, extra
amialbe way.
I sign my letters only after April after A.
Sucker for a Pop Song - Jim NessJim Ness is a non performing, self taught guitarist and a "( tried to quit, but I can't)"
songwriter. He writes all styles of unique, melodic, well crafted songs.
Wanting mainly to be a " writer" Jim ended up playing and doing the singing on his demos.
Born and raised in Madison, Jim met Ron Vogel, an exceptional guitarist with a positive
outlook, and for 25 years, Ron has played on, helped write, and /or produced many of Jims songs.
Hanging Stars is name of the band and a cd was produced in 2001
Sucker for a Pop Song Words and Music Jim Ness / Ron Vogel Copyright 2003
Jim Ness: rhythm guitars, vocals, hand claps, shakers
Ron Vogel: lead guitar, bass, backing vocals, hand claps, tamborine
Recorded at Schlamb Studios. Engineered and produced by: Jim Ness / Ron Vogel
I'm just a sucker for a pop song
Turn on the radio and I sing along
I sit and listen all night, it always makes me feel right
I'm just a sucker for a pop song
8-tracks and records, cassettes or cds
Don't really care, I'm easy to please
It's kind of hard to describe
But when I hear a radio, I come alive
Chorus:
In rush hour traffic, I like to rock
Tune in the dial to my favorite jock
Every song that they play
Takes all of my troubles and worries away
Chorus:
Rideaway - Dale KiddDale Kidd is one half of the folk pop duet Kydd and Byrd. He has played in
bands in the Madison and S.W. Wisconsin Area for the last 25 years. He is
old. For the song Rideaway Dale teamed up with the young Aaron Nathans an up
and coming songwriter living in Madison. Dale is also known as Don Savage
the guitarist and musical director for Sausage Creek, the backing band for
country hero's Chuck Rodgers and Lyle Clark. Dale currently resides in Mt.
Horeb because he really digs the trolls.
Rideaway Words and Music by Dale Kidd / Aaron Nathans Copyright 2003
Dale Kidd: guitars and vocals
Mark Goad: drums
Recorded at Savageland Studios. Produced and Engineered by Dale Kidd.
TODAY I AM A RIDEAWAY
DOWN A ROAD THAT I JUST FOUND
IT LEADS ME TO A PLACE
WHERE I'M ALWAYS SAFE SAFE AND SOUND
YOU CAN PEDAL HARDER,
WHEN YOU STAND UP IN YOUR SEAT
AND IF YOU PEDAL HARD ENOUGH,
YOU CAN RIDE RIDE ACROSS THE BREACH
SAVE YOUR SOUL / A LITTLE HEAVEN IN YOUR ARMS
SAVE THE WORLD / LIKE YOU STEPPED RIGHT OUT OF TIME
SAVE YOUR OWN / LIKE YOU CAN CROSS THIS BRIDGE
USING JUST THIS BIKE AND A LITTLE BALL OF TWINE
TODAY I AM A RIDEAWAY
WAITING ON A TRAIN
I'VE GOT PENNIES IN MY POCKET
I'VE GOT SMARTS UP IN MY BRAIN
AND I WILL TRUST YOU IF I MUST,
THOUGH I WISH THAT I COULD STAY
AND I WISH THAT I COULD STING YOU,
WHO ARE YOU WHO ARE YOU ANYWAY
SAVE YOUR SOUL / A LITTLE HEAVEN IN YOUR ARMS
SAVE THE WORLD / YOU GOTTA TRY TO SET IT FREE
SAVE YOUR OWN / AS IF I COULD HOLD THE BURDEN
ANY BETTER THAN THE BURDEN THAN THE BURDEN COULD HOLD ME
I WILL TRADE THIS TRAIN FOR TEXAS
I WILL WALK INTO THAT LIGHT
I WILL HOLD YOUR HAND FOREVER
EVEN IF IT NEVER FEELS QUITE RIGHT
SAVE YOUR SOUL
SAVE YOUR SOUL / A LITTLE HEAVEN IN YOUR ARMS
SAVE THE WORLD / YOU HAVE TO TRY AND MEND WHAT'S TORN
SAVE YOUR OWN / LIKE SOMEBODIES GRANDMOTHER
AN OLD HEART BEING BORN
SAVE YOUR SOUL
SAVE YOUR SOUL
SAVE YOUR SOUL
Pure and Simple - Marianne Flemming
Marianne Flemming brings a decidedly left of center perspective to her songwriting. Described as "textured, expressive, sensual and zany," she has many hues on her songwriting palette. Born and raised in South Florida, Marianne got the music bug early due to an influence from her father, a nightclub singer in the 40's and 50's. Upon graduating college, Marianne hit the road, and thru her travels she gathered the many influences that would become her unique style. Years spent performing in the Caribbean, busking in Europe, or jamming in a bar in Venezuela have all been synthesized into a musical style that lifts your soul and moves your feet. From Blues to Rock, Jazz to Reggae, her original material is truly a musical evolution.
Pure and Simple Words and Music by Marianne Flemming, Copyright 2003
Marianne Flemming; guitar, vocals, percussion
Rachel Hisson; sax, percussion
Lance Carlson; bass, guitar
Recorded by Lance Carlson & Rachel Hissong at Square One Studios, Verona ,WI
Sun is up, Sky is Blue
Your love is making me feel brand new
Come with me, Let's ride to town
Spread some of this good lovin' all around
Pure and Simple, Not much to think about
Pure and Simple, Like breathing in and out
Like a Cool Breeze, on a summers day
Your kisses refresh me like lemonade
Sour grapes, Lodged in my mouth
One taste of your love had to spit them all out
chorus
When you wrap your arms around me
Feels like a test of time
Like Egyptian Pyramids
Through all kinds of weather
Two hearts together can make it with
Simple structure, Classic Design
Pure and Simple, Simply...
Never been so nonchalent
Lovin' usually makes me scream and shout
But I feel like a debutante 'cause
Everything's coming right to me
Unbelievably naturally
Pure and Simple
Simply...
Comedy of Errors - Lynn SmithLynn is a poet as well as a singer/songwriter. His chapbook of poems, Lunar Cradle, was published by Fireweed Press in 1989. He is a member of the Mind's Eye Radio Collective. Their show airs on WORT community radio in Madison and is also available on the Pacifica Radio Satellite Network.
Comedy of Errors Words and Music by Lynn Patrick Smith, Copyright 2003
Lynn Patrick Smith; vocals and guitars
Janet Smith; backing vocals and
keyboard
Gary St. John; drums
Produced & Recorded at Home Studio by Gary St. John and Lynn Patrick Smith
First you're open for discussion
Then you're closed for repairs
You say I'm everything you dreamed of
And that's my reoccurring nightmare
Chorus: Now you see it's a two-way mirror
Now you know why everybody stares
How come you're not laughing at your
Comedy of errors
You shouldn't listen to your fortuneteller
I think she has dyslexia
It might be your tall dark stranger
Is a short man with no knowledge of erotica
Chorus
You can rifle through your belongings
Searching for the reason that you're still crawling
But you always miss the obvious
You're confused and drowning in silence
Because someone dared to question your intentions
And now you need a bigger closet
To hide all of your skeletons
Chorus
You can rifle through your belongings
Searching for the reason that you're still crawling
But you always miss the obvious
You want to tie up your loose ends
But you never seem to learn your lesson
Why do you always choose your friends
The same way that you choose your weapon
Chorus
Six- Len Mormino & Dan PlourdeLen Mormino's songwriting is fueled by a curiosity about how people deal with love, emptiness, the beauty, and the ugliness that we are. With a passionate approach to vocals, Len delivers each lyric as if it were an intimate conversation. Driven by more visceral forms of popular rock and adult contemporary artists like Melissa Etheridge, Billy Joel, and Bruce Springsteen, his style lends itself to a Pop/Singer-Songwriter genre. Somewhere between searching and discovery, struggling soul & storyteller, Len works to engage your mind and heart through his music.
Dan Plourde explores freedom, passion, and even the mundane through playing his guitar. Influenced by all styles of music, he finds his own through studying legends like Jerry Garcia, Jimi Hendrix, and Trey Anastatio. With a motive to move you both spiritually and physically, Dan plays from his heart to yours.
Six Words and Music by Len Mormino & Dan Plourde, Copyright 2003 ASCAP
Dan Plourde; Acoustic Guitar
Eric Hester; Bass Guitar
Len Mormino; Harmonica, Vocals
Recorded at Left Behind Poodle Studios by Eric Hester
This arm is strong but I hope it don't rust
These legs are quick, hope they never give up
My eye sees farther than a hawk can see
Do you still want to keep up with me?
I know I've changed, It was an accident
Might be a curse might be heaven sent
My boss says I'm better stronger faster
But I could care less if its not me you're after
Chorus:'Cuz I'll be your six million dollar man
Protect your heart with a bionic hand
run sixty miles just to feel your breath
survive six lives to be with you again
My first mission is to save this city
but I think I'm stuck in somethin' like self pity
I'm more than a robot to assign and deploy
Can't you see this heart needs to feel your
Trust that I'm not Insane
Faith that I've got what it takes
Love runnin' through my Veins
Chorus
To be with you again
To be with you again
The News - Clear Blue BettyClear Blue Betty performs original rock n' roll music with a classic Midwest sound led by their dynamic front-woman Beth Kille. Fans & critics alike are addicted to their energetic songs that feature a mix of funk, rock and blues guitars and intelligent, upbeat lyrics. Forming in 2002, the Madison based band features lead singer/songwriter/rhythm guitar player Beth Kille, lead guitarist/back up vocalist Rob Koth, bassist/back up vocalist Doug Sies and drummer Tony Kille.
The News Words and Music by Clear Blue Betty Copyright 2003
Recorded at Blue Beat Studios. Engineered and/or produced by Doug Sies.
Went down to the fireside to try and light my imagination
But I'd seen it all before
Went down to the waterside to try and quench this fascination
But I came back wanting more
Got this itching deep inside of me
Won't you give me something interesting
I think I found it on my TV
And in this dirty magazine
Chorus: Oh give me the news
You're beautiful and troubled too, such a perfect combination
We've got just the place for you
In black and white, the tabloid scene, on CNN and MTV
That ought to help you work it through
I got these people all figured out
They got nothing to complain about
If I had that kind of money
I would myself some privacy
Chorus: Oh give me the news, Just someone I can abuse
So c'mon tell Betty, gimme the news
Cause I'm thirsty, thirsty for the juice
Who's down who's addicted, who's using who?
Who's talking smack who's breaking the rules
Who's mixed up, beat up, trying to keep their head up
Lookin' bad, lookin' good comin' to your neighborhood
Knocked up, knocked out, shooting up and strung out
Pounding down the devils door
C'mon baby gimme more
Chorus: Oh give me the news, Just someone I can abuse
April Snow - Erin O'BrienErin O'Brien performs original acoustic music punctuated by innovative rhythms and vocals that morph effortlessly in range and style. Her songs tell stories that transport the listener through time, across landscapes and into the heart. Since November 2002 Erin has been an active member of the Madison Songwriter's Group (MSG). She made her public debut in the much-coveted "Featured Newcomer" slot at MSG's prestigious monthly Songwriters in the Round showcase in February 2003. Since then she has performed in a variety of venues including the Wild Hog in the Woods Coffee House, and Madison's Folk at Four summer concert series. Though new in every shape of the word, Erin's performances feel anything but green. With a powerful voice and intense delivery Erin's music is most aptly described as "mesmerizing." If you pride yourself in discovering new talent early, she's an act you won't want to miss.
April Snow Words and Music by Erin O'Brien Copyright 2003
Erin O'Brien: guitars & vocals
Recorded at Left Behind Poodle Studios by Eric Hester
The faucet weeps a steady leak
It needs you like I do
Your tools hang in the garden shed
Useless without you
The kids are brave on most days
Sometimes I am too
We're hanging on for summer time
A little warmth will see us through
It's supposed to be spring, so why's it getting colder?
I just turned 33 but I feel so much older
And I'm trying to figure out exactly how to start again
Chorus: Cuz when the going gets tough it gets tougher getting going
Lately the learning's been rough and I am humbled by the knowing
Yeah when the going gets tough it gets tougher getting going
It's April, why the hell is it snowing?
The phone rings asking me if you're home
The mail brings news that you'll never know
Your ring hangs on a chain round my throat
Life goes on and I'm supposed to be strong
Mary needs a pair of shoes and mama broke a tooth
I can't take much more of this I'm telling you the truth
There's water in the basement, truck's stalled in the yard
No one said it would be easy but I didn't know it'd be this hard
Chorus
Today - West of Rome West of Rome's sound is a prairie-wind howl, harnessed and ground through post punk rock machinery. The sweet vocal harmonies and irony-free approach recall the Topanga Canyon California sounds of the early '70s-minus the Nudie suits, six-shooters and Bruce Berry. Like the bastard children of Patti Smith and Neil Young, West of Rome delves deep into the American songbook and plays with images, sounds and messages both positive and negative.
Today Words & Music DeMay, Alberts, Beaumont, Cox Copyright 2003 Prairie Wind Howl Music, ASCAP
Marc Alberts: piano, vocals
Andy Beaumont: drums
Tom Cox: bass
Chris DeMay: acoutstic guitar, harmonica, vocals, electric guitar
Recorded at Left Behind Poodle Studios by Eric Hester
I drove past the old house just the other day
The grass was 3-feet high and the paint was chipped away
But if those walls could talk what tales do you think they'd relate
Of two people just trying to get by living from day to day
Two cops pulled up next door and took the old man downtown
Handcuffed and head bowed he looked both shameful and proud
To rid himself of his burden, too long painful and too much
So children become adults and a cycled sin of an improper touch
Feels like I'm giving up for the first time
Feels like I'm giving up for the last time today
Some say love is all you need and tell you it's all there is
The greatest gift and the next best thing to eternal bliss
So if the power of love is so strong please tell me this
How can you betray it with something as simple as a kiss
Troubled Down Derry - Scott Hall Scott Hall has been penning tunes for over a decade, although he has only recently begun to record and perform. Like Leo Kottke, one of his musical heroes, he has managed to overcome trombone-induced musical trauma from his early school days and made the switch to guitar. While mostly a writer of rock and power pop songs, he has begun to explore folk, blues and other styles as well. "Troubled Down Derry" is a bit of historical fiction about a battle that might have happened, in a city that was once known by a different name.
Troubled Down Derry Words and Music by Scott Hall, Copyright 2003
Scott Hall - Guitar and Vocals
Recorded at Left Behind Poodle Studios by Eric Hester
What are you doing in troubled, down Derry
What are you doing today
What are you doing in troubled, down Derry
What are you doing today
I've seen the shine of the lights far behind you
I've seen that look on your face
It comes from the pain of a nagging confusion
That gripped you when you left this place
(chorus)
England, Oh, England, your soldiers have fallen
Dead on the fields where they lie
Sadness, Oh, sadness, why have you come calling
Why do the young have to die
(chorus)
I've seen the lights of my own future folly
I always remember the past
I have to live with my own brand of torture
Forever my punishment lasts
(chorus)
You're the One - Mark Steward You're the One Words and Music by Mark Steward Copyright 2002
Mark Steward: guitar, vocals, harmonica
Recorded at Stewardland Studios. Produced and Engineered by Mark Steward.
You're the one that I always had in mind
The kind of woman that I'd always hoped I'd find
I've been searching for you, all my life it seems
You're the girl that I remember from my dreams
Well you even looked exactly like the pictures in my head
And I even knew your voice before I'd heard a word you'd said
Your perfume smelled the way my dreams had told me that it would
And it came as no surprise that your sweet lips would feel so good
So I'm done looking, I know that you're the one
I knew the moment that we met, my search was done
I can't help but hope that pretty soon you'll find
That I'm the kind of guy you always had in mind
Did I bear a faint resemblance to any pictures in your head?
And was my voice familiar with the first words that I said?
And did you wonder why it felt so right to be with me?
Or did it feel like something that was always meant to be?
Well you even looked exactly like the pictures in my head
And I even knew your voice before I'd heard a word you'd said
And did you wonder why it felt so right to be with me?
Or did it feel like something that was always meant to be?
Adalay - AlbertAlbert performs orginal music in an orginal manner. Composed of four foster brothers all adopted by the same family in September of 1974, these boys take sibling rivalry to new heights. All four have honed their chops in any number of groups across the US underground scene. From the in your face antics of Hardass to the smooth mellow tones of The Dead End Kids, Albert has literally done it all. They are so captavating as a group that now dead music critic Lester Bangs once said,"...imitators of the prime moving geniuses.......more valid then most...!"
Adalay Words & Music by Eric Hester, Copyright 2002 Slothtrop Music, ASCAP
Albert Albert: Guitar, Vocals
Prince Marv Albert: Bass, Vocals
Peaches & Herb Albert: Guitar, Vocals
Alberticus: Drums
Recorded and mixed at Studio 202 by smd
There's a river running through a meadow in a mountain someplace faraway
and there's a horse who wiles away the time there and that horses name is Adalay
Adalay
Little Susy Lives beside the meadow and she'd fill her apron up with Hay
so she would brave the waters of the river just to ride bareback on Adalay
Adalay
Then when Susy got a little older off to school she did go
watched the young girls race around Barrels just like in the Rodeo
So little Suzy bought herself a Saddle, placed it on the back of Adalay
and that sad Horsie threw her in the river, that's where she's lying still today
Adalay
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